Having durable roofing will help protect your home against harsh elements. One of the best roofing materials around is polycarbonate. Many stores in the UK offer polycarbonate roofing for residential needs. For starters, it is made from a durable yet lightweight thermoplastic material.
Polycarbonate can also withstand harsh elements and changing temperatures. It is a common roofing material for homes, particularly in deck and patio areas. Likewise, polycarbonate roofing materials are also used for commercial and industrial purposes in the UK. That said, choosing this material has several benefits aside from the features mentioned above.
Types of polycarbonate material
There are different types of polycarbonate sheets that are used for different purposes: foam-backed and clear. The former is commonly used for industrial purposes including warehouses and the like. It is a lightweight and durable material that can be used for residential and commercial uses, aside from industrial purposes. Among other uses of foam-backed polycarbonate sheets include sheds, roofing, and carports.
The latter, on the other hand, allows natural light to come through the material. It is commonly used on patios and sunrooms. However, you may have to add a protective film to lessen the penetration of harmful UV rays. Nonetheless, it is a good material which can let you see your surroundings around you better and clearer.
Why you should use polycarbonate material for roofing
Using polycarbonate material has several benefits. Among these include the following:
1. It offers insulation.
Some polycarbonate materials have additional insulation that helps regulate temperature. Likewise, it can also lessen harmful UV rays that can damage the materials inside the structure. It can also help reduce energy bills by letting natural light come in.
2. It is a cheaper yet durable material.
Unlike glass panels, polycarbonate material is more lightweight and cheaper, which can make installation easier and won’t consume too much time. Hence, it will help reduce labor costs and save you more money.
3. It is flexible and can be used for various purposes.
Polycarbonate material can be shaped in various forms according to the need. On the contrary, other materials such as metal or glass won’t allow such flexibility as polycarbonate.
4. It is fire-resistant and durable.
Polycarbonate material is highly-resistant against heat and any damage, hence a great material even in locations where there can be extreme weathers and temperature. It does break but not produce dangerous shards. Plus, the material is meant to last for at least ten years or more.
Other uses for polycarbonate material
Aside from roofing, polycarbonate material is also being used for other purposes. For one, it is also commonly used for skylight and window applications. The material allows natural light to come into the structure and can be added with UV films to reduce heat and harmful UV rays.
This material can also be used for signage, canopies, roof domes, and translucent walls. It can also be formed into different shapes using a technique called thermoforming. Polycarbonate is also used as an exterior covering for LED lighting. The list goes on and on, but it only points out one thing: polycarbonate is one of the best materials out there whether for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.